Author: Mr HoangAnh

Hitting the pause button on Gerrit Cole panic.

Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

It speaks volumes that on a roster with Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, there is perhaps no more important a player to the fortunes of the team than Gerrit Cole. He is the linchpin of a starting rotation that contains more uncertainty than you would expect from a self-declared title contender. That is what makes the reports about the Yankees ace requiring an MRI on his pitching elbow just about the most alarming news we could have received this spring.

It is being reported that Cole has struggled to recover from spring outings, with Aaron Boone describing it as “akin to what [Cole] feels during the season when he’s making 100 pitches… When he’s throwing 45 and 55, he usually doesn’t have the recovery issues he’s having… It’s just been more of a challenge and more taxing.”

The team has announced that they will not have an immediate prognosis for Cole as they seek multiple opinions. He will miss his scheduled start Tuesday (today) and his availability for Opening Day is not a guarantee.

The Yankees fanbase is notoriously not one given to un-hasty, clear-headed reactions but if ever there were a time to take a deep breath, it’s now. As easy as it is to jump to conclusions and assume the worst-case scenario, there’s really nothing positive that can come from such a course given how little information we’ve been provided.

That being said, it is important to acknowledge the justified alarm that the fanbase must be feeling. That this news has befallen perhaps the most durable starting pitcher in the game over the last half-decade certainly makes the situation feel more dire. Outside of a bout of elbow inflammation in 2016 and the left hamstring strain at the end of 2021 that likely scuttled his AL Cy Young case in the eyes of the voters, Cole has been a model of health and availability throughout his career.

What’s more, the starting rotation is the unit that stands on the shakiest ground for the Yankees. Obviously, an injury scare to the reigning Cy Young would be a blow to any team, but it cuts especially deep on a Yankees team where he seemed the only sure-bet of the starting five.

Carlos Rodón missed the first half of his debut Yankee season to injury and then was one of the worst starters in the league upon his return. Nestor Cortes pitched 63.1 ineffective innings as he dealt with a pair shoulder issues. New signing Marcus Stroman made the All-Star team in Chicago but injuries cratered the final third of his season.

Clarke Schmidt is a fine fifth starter but is coming off by far the heaviest workload of his professional career. Cole was supposed to be the one constant that mitigated the error bars of those surrounding him and now this news.

Our thoughts are conditioned to turn to Tommy John surgery whenever we hear the news about imaging on a pitcher’s throwing elbow. However, far more pitchers who experience elbow discomfort do not end up requiring surgical intervention than those who do.

It’s actually reassuring to hear that the issue has been recovering from starts rather than pain, tingling, or a singular moment that Cole felt something in his elbow, and even more so to hear Boone confirm that Cole passed all his strength testing.

I recognize this is meager consolation for worried souls. Given the Yankees’ history with injuries over the last handful of seasons, it’s easy to feel like the sky is falling. After watching the rotation crumble behind Cole in 2023, fans are going to respond to Rodón and Cortes’ early spring hiccups with disproportionate angst. Again, I urge us all to take a step back from the panic button, we just don’t know enough at this time.

If the prognosis is worse than the initial cautious optimism suggests, we should still have faith that the front office will do what is necessary to ensure the Yankees are still competitive in 2024. After trading a significant chunk of the farm for Juan Soto, I would find it hard to believe that the decision-makers would punt on two seasons in a row should Cole have to miss some time.

That being said, don’t expect the team to make any knee-jerk reactions in the coming days. They are likely going to approach this situation with the same prudent patience that I would ask the rest of us adopt.

Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Dylan Cease, and others likely will not be donning pinstripes by the end of the week regardless of the severity of Cole’s test results. The Yankees still have a damn good team. All we can do is continue to support them through spring and hope for the best for Cole.

Heпry Cavill, widely regarded as the world’s most haпdsome actor, astoυпds aυdieпces with his trυly remarkable physiqυe.

The British heartthrob’s chiseled physiqυe has become a symbol of perfectioп, leaviпg admirers iп awe of his dedicatioп to fitпess aпd his stυппiпgly scυlpted form.

Cavill’s commitmeпt to maiпtaiпiпg his extraordiпary physiqυe is evideпt iп his rigoroυs traiпiпg regimeп aпd discipliпed approach to fitпess. Kпowп for his role as Sυpermaп iп the DC Exteпded Uпiverse, Cavill’s mυscυlar bυild aпd well-defiпed abs have become legeпdary, captυriпg the hearts of faпs aroυпd the globe.

With aп imposiпg preseпce that exυdes streпgth aпd power, Cavill’s scυlpted physiqυe is a testameпt to his υпwaveriпg dedicatioп to his craft. His commitmeпt to physical fitпess goes beyoпd the demaпds of his roles, showcasiпg his persoпal drive aпd determiпatioп to be the best versioп of himself.

Cavill’s physiqυe is пot oпly a resυlt of his iпteпse traiпiпg bυt also a reflectioп of his discipliпed lifestyle choices. He maiпtaiпs a balaпced diet aпd prioritizes his overall well-beiпg, eпsυriпg that he is always iп peak physical coпditioп. It is this υпwaveriпg commitmeпt that elevates Cavill’s appearaпce aпd sets him apart as a trυe physical specimeп.

Beyoпd his physical attribυtes, Cavill’s charisma aпd taleпt have solidified his statυs as a trυe Hollywood star. With his captivatiпg screeп preseпce aпd versatile actiпg abilities, he has proveп that there is more to him thaп jυst his stυппiпg looks. Cavill’s ability to embody complex characters with depth aпd пυaпce showcases his raпge as aп actor aпd fυrther eпhaпces his appeal.

As we marvel at the ‘pheпomeпal’ physiqυe of Heпry Cavill, let υs also appreciate the dedicatioп, discipliпe, aпd taleпt that have propelled him to the piппacle of sυccess.

His statυs as the world’s most haпdsome actor is a testameпt to his υпwaveriпg commitmeпt to his craft aпd his ability to captivate aυdieпces both oп aпd off the screeп.

With each пew role, Cavill coпtiпυes to leave υs iп awe, remiпdiпg υs that trυe beaυty eпcompasses пot oпly physical attribυtes bυt also the taleпt aпd passioп that lie withiп.

TAMPA, Florida — Aaron Judge will take two days off training due to some fatigue, which Yankees manager Aaron Boone called “typical spring wear and tear.”

Judge left Sunday’s game, a 9-8 Yankees win over the Braves in the Grapefruit League after two at-bats. Boone said it was part of a plan to get Trent Grisham more playing time.

With Judge not in any of the Yankees’ split lineups on Monday, Boone said he doesn’t expect his star hitter to play again until Wednesday against the Red Sox.

“He’s a little worn out, which is typical with all the work they do in the cage and back fields in the middle of the spring,” Boone said Monday in Clearwater, Florida.

After Sunday’s game, Judge said Boone planned his early departure.

“He talked to me before practice,” Judge said. “He said, ‘Hey, I want to talk to you. I’ve got Krish behind you. Are you okay with two at-bats?’ I was like, ‘Man, what is this, March 10? I’m fine with what you have to do.

Boone said Judge, who spent two months of last season out of action after spraining ligaments on a concrete fence at Dodger Stadium, has no issues with his right thumb.

“I think Aaron’s been really good the last few years, dealing with the irritations and seeing the little things he deals with throughout the year,” Boone added. “He handles himself and defends himself well.”

Judge has appeared in six Grapefruit League games. He has two hits with one double, one RBI, two walks and three runs scored in 14 at-bats (.143).

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“I’m going to see him,” Boone continued. “I know sometimes they do a lot of things that you don’t see. Especially with your senior players, you want to make sure they’re not overdoing it this time of year. At the same time, you have to increase the intensity and get used to recovering them.”

The pitching staffs of longtime rivals New York and Boston are hurting as the regular season approaches.

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole will have an MRI of his right elbow after experiencing issues recovering following spring training starts while Red Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito will have surgery on Tuesday and be out indefinitely.

Both Cole and Giolito have been durable in their careers.

Cole, the 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner, has made at least 30 starts in each of the last six full regular seasons. The 29-year-old Giolito, who agreed to a $38.5 million, two-year deal with the Red Sox during the offseason, has pitched at least 160 innings in five of the last six seasons.

The Yankees had been bringing the 33-year-old Cole along slowly this sp ring, having him throw fewer pitches during his outings than the rest of the rotation. Still, Cole reported feeling a higher level of fatigue than usual between starts.

In this March 1 file photo, New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole, left, reacts as he is taken out of the game by manager Aaron Boone during the first inning of a spring training game in Tampa, Fla. AP Photo

“He described it as his recovery, leading into his next start, has been more akin to what he feels in the season when he’s making 100 pitches,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Monday. “He usually doesn’t have the recovery issues he’s having. It’s been more of a challenge, more taxing. So we’re going to get an MRI to see what we’re dealing with here.”

Cole is entering the fifth season of a $324 million, nine-year contract that pays $36 million annually. He has the right to opt out after the season and become a free agent, but if he opts out, the Yankees can lock him up by adding a guaranteed $36 million salary for 2029.

Giolito reported discomfort in his elbow after getting tagged during a spring training appearance on March 1. He traveled to Alabama last week to get a second opinion from Dr. Jeffrey R. Dugas before opting for surgery, the extent of which is still uncertain.

“Lucas is having surgery tomorrow. The extent of it, we don’t know yet. We know it’s with the ligament,” manager Alex Cora said. “So we’ll know more tomorrow when they go in. The type of surgery, we don’t know yet.”

SEOUL SERIES SET

It will be Tyler Glasnow against Yu Darvish when the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres meet in the Seoul Series opener in South Korea later this month.

Glasnow, acquired by the Dodgers in the offseason and signed to a $136.5 million, five-year contract, will make the second opening day start of his career when the series begins on March 20. The 6-foot-8 right-hander went 10-7 with a 3.53 ERA last season while pitching for Tampa Bay.

Darvish will make the fourth opening day start of his career. The 37-year-old right-hander struggled at times last season, going 8-10 with a 4.56 ERA — the second highest ERA of his 11-year career — before being shut down in August due to concerns about his right elbow.

Heralded Dodgers rookie Yoshinobu Yamamoto will get his first major league start on March 21. Yamamoto, who signed a 12-year, $325-million deal with Los Angeles in December, went 70-29 with a 1.82 ERA in seven seasons with the Orix Buffaloes in his native Japan.

Joe Musgrove will get the nod for the Padres in the second game of the two-game series. Musgrove was 10-3 with a 3.05 ERA last season for the Padres before being lost for the season due to right shoulder inflammation.

BRAVES PROSPECT SMITH-SHAWVER HEADS TO MINORS

The Atlanta Braves optioned top prospect AJ Smith-Shawver to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday, moving closer to settling on their pitching staff for opening day.

The move slows — for now anyway — the 21-year-old’s rapid rise through Atlanta’s system. Smith-Shawver began last season at Class A Rome before finishing on the big league roster for the NL Division Series.

In three starts during the exhibition season, he showed glimpses of his massive potential, recording 11 strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings. He also gave up 12 hits, seven earned runs and two homers. The decision leaves Bryce Elder and Reynaldo Lopez as the top candidates for the final spot in Atlanta’s starting rotation.

DIAZ DAZZLES

An unwanted year off doesn’t seem to have slowed down New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz.

Diaz, who missed all of last season after tearing the patellar tendon in his right knee during the World Baseball Classic, struck out the side on Monday night against Miami.

The hard-throwing right-hander needed just 14 pitches to dispatch Jesus Sanchez, Avisail Garcia and Jon Berti in the top of the fifth. Diaz hit 98 mph on the radar gun and seven of his strikes were swung on and missed.

“It was crazy because I felt the people screaming and everything,” Diaz said. “I was just trying to control my emotions at that moment. … Even if it’s a spring training game, I treat this game like (the) regular season.”

JUDGE RESTS

New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Judge is not expected to play again until Wednesday due to spring training fatigue.

Judge has not taken on-field batting practice the last couple days and was replaced after three innings and two at-bats, in which he struck out both times, in Sunday’s game against Atlanta.

In the fast-paced and glamorous world of Hollywood, where collaborations often define careers, the unbreakable chemistry between actors can elevate a film from good to extraordinary.

Such is the case with Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer, who forged a powerful on-screen bond during their collaboration on the 2015 spy thriller, “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”

This article will explore the factors that contributed to their enduring friendship, examining shared experiences, on-screen chemistry, off-screen activities, common interests, and the mutual respect that binds these two charismatic actors.

Shared Experiences: A Mutual Journey

Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer embarked on a shared journey when they took on the lead roles of Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin in “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”

This spy thriller, directed by Guy Ritchie, presented them with demanding action sequences, comedic improvisation, and the pressures associated with a big-budget Hollywood film. The challenges they faced together fostered a sense of camaraderie built on mutual respect and trust.

The collaborative nature of filmmaking requires actors to rely on each other, and navigating the intricacies of their roles in this stylish spy caper allowed Cavill and Hammer to develop a unique bond. As they tackled the complexities of their characters and brought them to life on the big screen, the shared experiences became the foundation for a lasting connection.

On-Screen Chemistry: Translating Personal Dynamics

The magic of on-screen chemistry is often elusive but undeniably captivating when it happens. In “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” Henry Cavill’s suave charm complemented Armie Hammer’s deadpan humor, creating a dynamic that resonated with audiences. The contrasting personalities of Solo and Kuryakin translated into a natural camaraderie that went beyond scripted lines and rehearsed scenes.

Their on-screen chemistry wasn’t just a performance; it became a reflection of the genuine connection between Cavill and Hammer. As they navigated the espionage-laden plot with wit and style, the success of their on-screen partnership likely played a pivotal role in strengthening their personal connection.

Off-Screen Activities: Playful Banter and Genuine Laughter

Beyond the confines of the film set, Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer’s friendship manifested in their off-screen activities. Interviews and promotional appearances showcased the duo engaging in playful banter, participating in lighthearted games, and sharing genuine laughter. These moments suggested a comfortable and supportive dynamic beyond the professional realm.

The ability to transition seamlessly from scripted banter to authentic off-screen camaraderie is a testament to the strength of their connection. Whether facing the media together or sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, Cavill and Hammer demonstrated a bond that extended beyond the demands of their Hollywood careers.

Similar Interests: Fitness and Video Games

Shared interests can be a powerful glue that binds friendships, and Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer found common ground in their passion for fitness and video games. Both actors are known for their dedication to staying fit, a commitment that likely provided ample opportunities for casual conversations and bonding activities during breaks in filming.

The world of video games, with its immersive storytelling and interactive experiences, offers another avenue for shared enjoyment. Gaming sessions could have served as moments of relaxation and camaraderie, allowing Cavill and Hammer to unwind and strengthen their friendship.

Mutual Respect: The Foundation of Friendship

Mutual respect is the bedrock of any lasting friendship, and Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer have consistently expressed admiration for each other’s talent and work ethic. In interviews, Cavill has praised Hammer’s skills, particularly highlighting his performance in “The Social Network” and recognizing the depth he brings to his roles.

Similarly, Hammer has lauded Cavill’s charisma and stage presence, showcasing an appreciation for the multifaceted nature of his co-star’s talent. This mutual respect not only reflects their professional admiration but also serves as the foundation for a genuine and lasting friendship.

Additional Resources:

To delve deeper into the unbreakable chemistry between Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer, the following resources provide insightful interviews and engaging glimpses into their dynamic:

Conclusion: A Lasting Connection Beyond the Silver Screen

In the tapestry of Hollywood friendships, the bond between Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer stands out as a testament to the enduring nature of connections formed during collaborative projects. “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” not only showcased their on-screen chemistry but also became the backdrop for the development of a genuine friendship rooted in shared experiences, mutual respect, and common interests.

While the specifics of their personal connection remain private, the evidence of their enduring bond is visible in interviews, promotional appearances, and the moments captured beyond the lens of the camera. The unbreakable chemistry between Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer serves as a reminder that, in the unpredictable world of Hollywood, some connections are not just scripted for the screen; they are forged in the shared laughter, challenges, and triumphs of a collaborative journey.

The recent rumors surrounding Henry Cavill joining Marvel Studios and potentially taking on the role of Cyclops in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) have sparked intense speculation and discussions among fans and insiders.

While the news is yet to be officially confirmed or addressed by either Henry Cavill or Marvel Studios, multiple insiders and scoopers have claimed that Cavill is indeed set to play a significant character in the MCU.

The speculation about Henry Cavill’s involvement with Marvel Studios began circulating shortly after the release of “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” which faced mixed reviews.

Since then, there have been ongoing rumors and conversations about Cavill possibly taking on a Marvel role. The latest wave of reports suggests that the actor has joined the MCU, and many insiders are leaning towards the idea that he might be portraying Cyclops or another member of the X-Men.

However, the discussion raises some interesting points and concerns. One notable aspect is the age of Henry Cavill, who is currently 40 years old. Given the long-term commitments often associated with superhero franchises, especially in the MCU, some argue that it might be challenging for Cavill to commit to a 20-year role as Cyclops, considering he would likely be in his mid-40s by the time a standalone X-Men film is released. This has led to speculation that if Cavill is indeed playing Cyclops, it could be as a Multiverse variant rather than part of the main MCU continuity.

Moreover, the financial aspects are brought into focus, with reports suggesting that Cavill’s minimum asking for a comic book role is in the range of 5 to 10 million dollars. This has led to the belief that if he is cast in the MCU, it might be for a cameo role rather than a substantial and long-term commitment, as the studio may prefer to lock in younger and more cost-effective talent for lead roles.

While the discussion is fueled by rumors and speculation, the absence of official confirmation leaves room for skepticism. Fans and industry observers are left wondering about the authenticity of the reports and whether Henry Cavill will indeed step into the shoes of Cyclops in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Only time will tell if these rumors hold true, but for now, the speculation continues to fuel excitement and debate among comic book movie enthusiasts.

CLEARWATER, Fla. — There would be no replacing Gerrit Cole, an ace of aces whose arm represents the clearest route to a Yankees World Series, and whose elbow required an MRI on Monday.

But an ominous, dark day for the Yankees did include a speck of hope for the depth, if not the front, of the rotation.

If Cole needs to miss time, three competitors for a rotation spot — if not immediately then at some point — looked promising in combining for 10 ²/₃ innings of one-run, six-hit, 14-strikeout ball.

On a split-squad day that showcased some of the remaining depth options for the rotation, Clayton Beeter, Luis Gil and Will Warren looked like they could be ready to help in the majors soon.

Clayton Beeter throws during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday, March 11, 2024, in Clearwater, Fla.AP

“For as much pitching depth as we’ve had to trade away this winter … I am excited about that next wave of arms,” manager Aaron Boone said at BayCare Ballpark, where Beeter and Gil dazzled in a 2-1 win over the Phillies. “I do feel like the pitching depth that we have is strong. On what level is it ready to compete now? That’s what you have to find out.”

Facing what might be the Opening Day lineup for the Phillies, Beeter allowed two hits and no runs while striking out four in four innings.

The return from the 2022 Joey Gallo trade, Beeter relied upon fastballs to get ahead in counts and sliders to finish off batters. Alec Bohm swung through three straight sliders. Kyle Schwarber, too, whiffed for strike three on the pitch.

“I saw the lineup today, I was excited to face those guys,” said Beeter, a 25-year-old righty. “Just keeps giving me confidence that my stuff plays up here.”

Beeter handed off to Gil, who was the most impressive pitcher on the day.

Luis Gil #81, reacts as he walks off the mound after pitching a scoreless first inning against Tigers.Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

The righty, ready to start his first full season back from Tommy John surgery, was electric through 3 ²/₃ innings in which he allowed one hit and walked one. Of the 11 outs he recorded, eight came via strikeout.

In one fun battle, he got ahead of Bryce Harper with a slider and changeup that both induced whiffs before reaching back for 99.6 mph that blew Harper away.

“Wow. … He was dominant. That was dominant,” Boone said of Gil, who already has been optioned out of major league camp but more so because the Yankees are building him up slowly following the May 2022 surgery. “I kept turning, like, anyone else seeing this?

“You can very easily see him factoring in [to the majors] in some role. I mean, that [stuff] works.”

Phillies bats could not figure out Gil, swinging 26 times and missing 15. He mixed in changeups and sliders but could lean upon the upper-90s fastballs when he needed an out.

“[I felt] excellent, thank God,” Gil said in Spanish, adding that it had been several years since he felt this good.

Back in Tampa, Warren — who might be the most big-league ready of the Yankees’ starting pitcher prospects, but is not yet on the 40-man roster — allowed a run on three hits with three strikeouts against an impressive Orioles lineup.

“I feel like I’ve been ready [for the majors],” said Warren, who pitched in 21 games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last season. “Whenever that time comes, hopefully sooner rather than later, I’m ready to do whatever it takes to win.”

— Additional reporting by Dan Martin in Tampa

If you were to rank players on the New York Yankees based on importance for this season, a few names would be vying for the top spot on your list. Of course, both halves of the team’s new dynamic duo, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, would have to be considered.

For my money, however, the easy choice for “most important Yankee” this season is Gerrit Cole, which is why this update from MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch was extremely concerning to read:

Gerrit Cole is having an MRI on his pitching elbow, Aaron Boone told reporters in Clearwater.

— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) March 11, 2024

Here’s more from Bryan Hoch:

Boone said that Gerrit Cole has been having trouble with his recovery between starts. According to Boone, Cole likened it to what he feels during the season after 100 pitches. — Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) March 11, 2024

For the 33-year old Yankees’ ace, and for fans of the team, this new could not come at a worse time.

Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole /

Though front office officials would never openly admit this, it’s abundantly clear that the Yankees are going for it in 2024. They traded organizational depth to acquire Alex Verdugo and Juan Soto, both of whom will be free agents after this year.

They also signed Marcus Stroman to a two-year contract, meaning that after 2025, he too will have the chance to be a free agent.

The team has spent money, and traded assets, to improve this year’s roster in multiple ways. There may be question marks for this team in future years, but in 2024, they’re primed for a deep playoff run.

They may even have more moves coming, as New York has been connected to free agent left-handers Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery in recent weeks.

This entire plan, however, is centered around Gerrit Cole being the ace of their staff.

If there is one area of the roster that fans are uneasy about, it’s the starting rotation. Behind Cole on the depth chart, we find Carlos Rodon, Stroman, Nestor Cortes and Clarke Schmidt.

At their best, each player has shown flashes of true brilliance in recent years. That said, at their worst, each pitcher has gone through extended stretches of injury and/or inconsistency.

Up until today, you haven’t been able to say that about Gerrit Cole, but now, his future is also uncertain. From what we know, it could be days, if not weeks, until we learn the diagnosis.

So, for now, all we can do is sit and wait.

And hope.

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We Found the Ten Biggest Problems Facing the 2024 New York Yankees

Brian Cashman and the New York Yankees answered a lot of questions during the offseason, but these problems still remain as the team begins Spring Training.

Gallery Credit: Dan Bahl

Can Carlos Rodon Have a Healthy Season?

Can Carlos Rodon Have a Healthy Season?

There’s a correlation between Rodon’s health, and his performance on the field. The more he pitches, the better’s pitched over the course of his career.

The difference between Rodon starting 15 games, and starting 25, is massive for the Yankees this season.

Is a “Leaner” Giancarlo Stanton a Meaner Giancarlo Stanton?

Is a “Leaner” Giancarlo Stanton a Meaner Giancarlo Stanton?

Giancarlo Stanton appears to be a lean, mean, fighting machine according to social media. Will his physical change allow him to stay healthy for a longer portion of the season?

And, even if he’s healthy, can he hit above .200 at this point in his career? Those are huge questions when it comes to the middle of the lineup.

Who Will Replace Michael King?

Who Will Replace Michael King?

This was a question before he was dealt to San Diego, but now, it’s an even more pressing question. King’s “Swiss army knife” role in the bullpen will be extremely hard to replace this season.

Will Anthony Rizzo Suffer Any Post-Concussion Issues?

Will Anthony Rizzo Suffer Any Post-Concussion Issues?

Post-concussion syndrome is a very real thing, and can haunt athletes for years after they stop playing. Rizzo showed that, before his injury, he’s still capable of playing well offensively and defensively.

Can he return to that after an extended rest period, or does he return as a shell of his former self?

What Exactly Is Nestor Cortes?

What Exactly Is Nestor Cortes?

It’s been the tale of two Nestor’s during most of Cortes’ career. He was a revelation for the Yankees in 2022, but when 2023 rolled around, he couldn’t stay healthy long enough to be effective as a starter.

So, with time to recover, does he return to his 2022 form, or was that year simply a flash in the pan?

Can Anthony Volpe Round Out His Game?

Can Anthony Volpe Round Out His Game?

This isn’t as much of a problem, per se, as it is an experiment. Volpe showed flashes of the player that fans want him to be last season: an on-base machine, who hits at the top of the order, steals bases, and plays solid defense.

As the year went on, he regressed, and though his power was impressive for a rookie, his on-base percentage was not. Can he play a more well-rounded, complete style in 2024?

Who Replaces Wandy Peralta as the Top Lefty Reliever?

Who Replaces Wandy Peralta as the Top Lefty Reliever?

When healthy, Wandy Peralta and Jonathan Loaisiga are always Aaron Boone’s first calls from the bullpen. Loaisiga returns, but Peralta does not.

Will Boone be able to trust newcomers Caleb Ferguson and Victor Gonzalez in the same way that he trusted Peralta over the past few seasons?

Do the Yankees Have a True Starting Catcher?

Do the Yankees Have a True Starting Catcher?

Or, as a follow-up, is a platoon of Austin Wells and Jose Trevino good enough to get by?

Wells showed flashes of brilliance after being called up last year, and his work ethic on the defensive side of the game has been lauded. He’s worked his tail off to become a better game-caller, which has allowed him to build trust with the pitching staff.

Is he ready to handle the bulk of the catching duties (3-4 out of every 5 games), or does he still need time to develop?

Can Marcus Stroman Handle the Bright Lights in The Bronx?

Can Marcus Stroman Handle the Bright Lights in The Bronx?

To make a long answer short, I think Stroman could be a home run signing for Brian Cashman when all is said and done. If he embraces the spotlight in New York, and performs well early, then fans will be quick to rally around him.

If he struggles early in the year, however, will fans be patient with the right-hander?

Can Cole and Judge Be League Leaders Again?

Can Cole and Judge Be League Leaders Again?

No matter how many moves Cashman made this offseason, the pressure still falls squarely on the shoulders of Gerrit Cole and Aaron Judge. Both players appear to be fully healthy, and should be poised for big years in 2024.

If one, or both, regress this season, do the Yankees have enough depth (Soto, Stroman, etc.) to pick up the slack?

Re-live The Glory Days with This Old Yankee Stadium Virtual Tour

The “Old” Yankee Stadium may be gone, but plenty of photos and videos of the classic ballpark still exist. Re-live its history and lore through this virtual tour.

Oh boy Yankee fans, hold your breath because this could be bad.

Both of the Yankees’ highest paid stars got some terrible injury news, with star outfielder Aaron Judge getting shut down temporarily and ace pitcher Gerrit Cole having an elbow MRI, according to multiple sources.

Judge, for his part, seems to only be getting shut down for a few days as a precaution. He’s sitting out of games and batting practice until Wednesday due to being “mid-spring beat up,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporter Bryan Hoch.

While that’s not concerning on it’s face, it’s a little early to already be hurting, as spring training isn’t even a month old yet.

But the real concern comes for ace starting pitcher Gerrit Cole, who will undergo an MRI on his throwing elbow, Boone also told reporters, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

Cole had been having trouble bouncing back between starts, noting he felt as tired after his limited spring appearances as he normally would after a 100-pitch regular season start, according to Hoch.

The Yankees have committed a combined $684 million between the two stars — $324 million for Cole and $360 million for Judge.

The news sent Yankee fans into a tizzy online, with many of them posting borderline suicidal reactions.

Yankee fans should be worried. If either one of these guys gets hurt for an extended period of time, their odds of winning the World Series drop precipitously. If BOTH get hurt… well, you can kiss the ring hopes goodbye.

However, at least one reporter is claiming the MRI is simply a precaution, as SNY’s Andy Martino chimed in to try and quell some of the more hysterical fans by claiming that the “initial feeling is not one of extreme concern.”

The New York Yankees certainly have been busy. New York had a disappointing 2023 season and responded by being one of the most active teams in baseball this offseason.

The Yankees made a plethora of additions including Juan Soto, Marcus Stroman, and Alex Verdugo. Although the Yankees made a few additions, the starting rotation still has some question marks.

New York has been linked to two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell but a signing seems unlikely at this point. The Yankees also were linked to Chicago White Sox superstar Dylan Cease but didn’t get a deal done. It’s not…

Gerrit Cole: Yankees Ace Reflects on Cy Young Win & Drive for Excellence

By BVM Sportsdesk, 1h ago

Gerrit Cole was honored with the 2023 American League Cy Young Award, marking a full-circle moment in his baseball journey and validating his hard work and consistent greatness. Beyond the accolade, Cole remains committed to maintaining his high performance and is more excited about Spring Training than winning the award.

By the Numbers

Cole’s lifetime 3.17 ERA ranks him fifth among active pitchers with at least 1,000 innings pitched.
He has won the AL ERA title twice and reached 20 wins with the Astros in 2019.

State of Play

Cole’s consistency and fierce work ethic have positioned him as a potential Hall of Famer, impressing the Yankees’ general manager and elevating the team’s rotation.
His 2023 season was marked by standout performances, including breaking the Yankees’ single-season strikeout record and pitching a shutout against the Toronto Blue Jays.

What’s Next

Cole aims to duplicate his performance from the previous year, contribute to the team’s success, and continue striving for a championship.

Bottom Line

Gerrit Cole’s Cy Young Award is a testament to his consistent greatness and unwavering commitment to excellence, marking a significant moment in his career and affirming his place among the Yankees’ pitching legends.